New Zealand and the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products: consultation document

This consultation paper explores what legislative reforms, and other changes, would be needed if New Zealand were to become a party to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. Overview Since 2005 New Zealand has been a party to an international treaty that aims to prevent harms from tobacco use, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO): the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, negotiated under this Treaty, aims to provide a global response to the illicit trade in tobacco products. The Government is undertaking consultation to inform decision-making as to whether it should agree to become a party to it. This consultation document puts forward two options for consideration: Option 1: New Zealand does not become a party to the Protocol and continues with its current approach to preventing illicit trade in tobacco products. Option 2: New Zealand becomes a party to the Protocol and makes the necessary changes to meet the mandatory requirements of the Protocol. New Zealand’s existing laws already comply with many of the obligations in the Protocol. However, if New Zealand became a party to the Protocol, some legislative reforms would probably be needed, along with new systems, processes and initiatives to support them. This consultation paper explores these implications. The closing date for submissions is: 5 pm Friday 12 June 2015